The meeting follows heightened political tensions in Venezuela after President Nicolás Maduro was detained in Caracas during a recent U.S. military operation. Despite the engagement with Machado, Trump has not formally endorsed her claim to leadership, even though her movement says it won the country’s disputed 2024 elections.

Instead, the United States has so far backed Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president, as interim leader. The White House has described Rodríguez as cooperative with U.S. officials and has noted that she faces no criminal charges in the United States.

Machado has strongly rejected Washington’s position, insisting her coalition should lead Venezuela’s transition. She has accused Rodríguez of playing a central role in political repression and has argued that Venezuelans do not trust the interim administration.

The opposition leader has praised the U.S. action against Maduro as a step toward restoring democracy and the rule of law. She also said she hoped to thank Trump personally and previously suggested she would dedicate her Nobel Peace Prize to him. The Nobel Committee later clarified that the award cannot be transferred.

Trump has offered mixed views on Machado, at times questioning her domestic support while also welcoming her visit. Rodríguez, meanwhile, has publicly rejected claims that the United States is directing Venezuela’s political future, insisting that the country remains under Venezuelan control.

The meeting is expected to draw international attention as the United States navigates its role in Venezuela’s unfolding political crisis.